DIV Fund 2026 Launches with Up to $1.5 Million in Funding

The DIV Fund has opened applications for its 2026 cohort, offering a staged funding approach for innovative solutions tackling development challenges in emerging markets.

Addressing Critical Needs Across Sectors

The fund supports projects focused on health, agriculture, education, climate change, livelihoods, and other pressing social and economic issues. With a sector-agnostic approach, the DIV Fund welcomes applications from diverse fields where entrepreneurs are creating impact in developing countries.

Funding Stages Based on Evidence

What sets this funding opportunity apart is its emphasis on demonstrated results:

• Early-stage ideas: Can receive up to $200,000 to test and refine concepts
• Solutions with traction: Eligible for up to $500,000 (potentially reaching $750,000 for exceptional proposals) to expand testing or early implementation
• Ready-to-scale solutions: Can qualify for the full $1.5 million based on proven impact and cost-effectiveness

This tiered approach ensures that funding aligns with a solution’s stage of development and evidence base.

Who Can Apply?

The DIV Fund is open to:

• Startups and entrepreneurs
• Non-profit organizations
• Social enterprises
• Research teams

Applicants from anywhere in the world can participate, provided their projects directly benefit communities in developing countries. They must present clear, innovative solutions with demonstrated potential for impact at a reasonable cost.

Application Deadline & Resources

Applications close on September 30, 2026. Interested organizations can learn more and apply through the official program page. For those seeking additional insights into Africa’s tech ecosystem, consider subscribing to techbuild.africa’s weekly digest for updates.